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https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/gravity-circuit-489baa Gravity Circuit is currently free on Epic Games Store. https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/albion-online-7eb24d https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/albion-online-rogue-journeyman-bundle-99807a Albion Online: Rogue Journeyman Bundle is currently free on Epic Games Store. https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/double-dragon-trilogy-android-aa344a https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/double-dragon-trilogy-ios-ae64d4 Double Dragon Trilogy is currently free on Epic Games Store for Android and iOS devices. https://freebies.indiegala.com/leaper Leaper is currently free on IndieGala. https://freebies.indiegala.com/wordle Wordle is currently free on IndieGala.

Fact of the Day - WET CARROTS? WHY? Did you know.... It’s not your imagination. Baby carrots are wet on purpose. Contrary to their name, baby carrots aren’t the juvenile version of Bugs Bunny’s favorite vegetable. The product comes from fully-grown carrots that have been processed into cute, bite-sized shapes. But snackability isn’t the only thing distinguishing the smaller model from the classic vegetable. As anyone who’s reached into a slimy bag of baby carrots knows, downsized carrots come with some unintended consequences. Baby Carrots Need to Stay Hydrated According to Southern Living, baby carrots tend to be wetter than most veggies in the produce section. This is because they’re prone to dehydration, so water is added to them during the processing and packaging stages. Producers give baby carrots their stubby shape by chopping up carrots that aren’t attractive enough to sell whole and tossing them into a polishing drum. Water that’s added to the drum gives them their smooth, shiny appearance. This accounts for some of a baby carrot’s moisture, but not all of it. The bags they come in contain supplemental water to keep the miniature veggies from drying out. Full-sized carrots and other vegetables rely on their natural skins to retain moisture. To make baby carrots, the outer layer has to be shaved away, so there’s nothing keeping the water locked inside. A splash of water inside each bag gives the carrots the crisp, fresh taste people expect from their produce. Avoiding “Carrot Blush” Baby carrots aren’t immune to drying out—especially if they’ve been sitting in an open bag or on your kitchen counter for a while. The white film that forms on the product is called carrot blush, and it’s a normal sign of dehydration. The rumor that the white stuff is really chlorine is false, though it is true that baby carrots are processed with a minimal (and safe) amount of the chemical. You can read more about the history of the snack food here. Source: Why Are Baby Carrots Always So Wet?

What's the Word: TERMINUS pronunciation: [tər-mən-əs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. A final point in space or time; an end or extremity. 2. The end of a railroad or other transportation route, or a station at such a point; a terminal. Examples: "The terminus of the highway construction is scheduled for April 2026." "Take the subway to the terminus, and I'll meet you there." About Terminus You might recognize the adjective "terminal," meaning "situated at the end," but "terminus" is the noun form. Use this word to distinguish an end point, either in space or time. It's a handy word to pull out at the end of a party: "This is the terminus. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." Did you Know? Another usage of "terminus" is as a name for a specific architectural feature. In that case, a terminus is a figure of a human bust or an animal, ending in a square pillar from which it appears to spring. These features were originally used as boundary markers in ancient Rome.

Fact of the Day - GIANT MUSHRROMS Did you know.... Long before trees, Earth was home to towering organisms called Prototaxites, which lived during the Late Silurian through the Devonian periods, roughly 420 million to 350 million years ago. Fossil evidence shows they could reach up to 24 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making them the largest land organisms of their time. Most plants back then measured only a few inches, forming low mats of mosses, liverworts, and early vascular species. Land animals — millipede-like arthropods, primitive insects, and early amphibians — were also relatively small, and the first treelike plants would not appear until millions of years later, making Prototaxites the giants of their prehistoric world. For more than a century, scientists debated whether Prototaxites were plants, fungi, algae, or lichens, since nothing comparable exists today. Their fossil “trunks” were composed of tightly packed microscopic tubes, unlike vascular tissues in plants, and they lacked roots, leaves, or wood. Isotope studies suggest they lived as heterotrophs, absorbing nutrients from decaying organic matter rather than producing their own food. They may also have played a role in shaping primitive soils and nutrient cycles, and some researchers speculate their massive columns offered shelter to small arthropods. Although scientists are still investigating how Prototaxites lived and precisely what role they played in early ecosystems, evidence now points to them being either fungi or an otherwise unknown fungus-like branch of life. Some mushrooms can glow in the dark. Bioluminescent fungi, such as Panellus stipticus and Mycena chlorophos, emit a soft green light through chemical reactions involving enzymes and oxygen. This glow serves multiple ecological purposes: It may deter predators, attract insects to help spread spores, or even protect the fungi from harmful oxidative stress. In dense forests at night, patches of these glowing mushrooms can make the forest floor shimmer as if dotted with tiny lanterns. Interestingly, more than 130 fungi species are known to exhibit bioluminescence, making it more common among fungi than among animals. In Japanese folklore and among Indigenous cultures in Central and South America, bioluminescent mushrooms were often thought to be the spirits of the dead. Today, their glow reminds us even seemingly ordinary organisms hold hidden wonders, quietly illuminating the ecosystems we may otherwise overlook. Source: The Earth used to be covered in giant mushroom-like organisms.

What's the Word: EXTRAMUNDANE pronunciation: [eks-trə-mən-DEYN] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Outside or beyond the physical world. Examples: "My niece loves to pretend she is playing with fairies and other extramundane creatures." "Mythology from almost every culture contains extramundane stories and folklore." About Extramundane Today, if you call someone "extra," it means they're over the top and dramatic. However, the Latin origin doesn't concern being "too much"; it just means "outside." Pair it with "mundus" for "the world," and "extramundane" describes something not of this physical world. Did you Know? Lightning, seasons, animal discoveries — we have many modern scientific explanations for phenomena that in the past was attributed to the supernatural in mythology and folklore passed down through generations and across cultures. Humans have always had an interest in what lies beyond our world. As an adjective, "extramundane" can be used to describe anything outside the earthly realm.

Fact of the Day - LEATHER DIAMONDS ON BACKPACKS Did you know... You probably don’t need an instruction manual to understand how backpacks work, but they’re often adorned with one common feature that’s largely overlooked: a little leather diamond patch sewn onto the outside. This embellishment is called a “lash tab,” and it serves more than a simply decorative purpose, as it was initially used by mountaineers to secure their gear. The name comes from the word “lashing,” defined by Merriam-Webster as “something used for binding, wrapping, or fastening.” These tabs are also colloquially referred to as “pig snouts,” as the two vertical slits resemble a pig’s nose. In an interview with Reader’s Digest, JanSport product director Ryan Lee said, “The diamond lashing square was used to hold ice tools for mountaineering expeditions, particularly the ice axe.” Hikers would feed a rope or cord through the slits, allowing them to tie up their equipment. This made it easier to access the items, which would hang off the bag instead of being tucked inside. These practical leather patches began appearing on mountaineering bags in the 1930s, expanding to more general recreational backpacks as the century progressed. By the 21st century, the tabs were relied on less for function and more for their rugged, retro design aesthetic. However, they can continue to serve a purpose if desired. Some outdoor enthusiasts may hang a carabiner off the lash tab to secure their water bottles, while others thread their shoelaces through to hang muddy boots after a long hike. The world’s two tallest mountains are located in Hawaii. At 29,032 feet, Mount Everest is the world’s highest in terms of its elevation above sea level. But while Everest is the highest, the two tallest mountains in the world are located on the island of Hawaii, though each is largely hidden under the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Measuring from base to peak, the tallest mountain is Mauna Kea — a dormant volcano that’s estimated to stand at 33,481 feet from toe to tip. However, roughly 59% of this mountain is located underwater; only 13,796 feet are exposed above sea level. (This still makes it the highest point in the state of Hawaii.) Located to the south is Mauna Loa, an active volcano measuring more than 30,000 feet from the ocean floor to its peak. Mauna Loa reaches comparable heights of 13,681 feet above sea level. Source: The leather diamonds on backpacks were originally used for mountaineering.

What's the Word: TOOTHSOME pronunciation: [TOOTH-səm] Part of speech: adjective Origin: English, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. (Of food) Temptingly tasty. 2. (Of a person) Good-looking; attractive. Examples: "The dessert case was bursting with toothsome pastries and pies." "Look beyond his toothsome exterior and get to know his personality a bit." About Toothsome When talking about food, "toothsome" is usually paired with a diminutive noun: "morsel," "tidbit," "nibble." These delicate bites seem more toothsome than a big hunk of cheese or an oversized value meal. Did you Know? You look good enough to eat! The original usage of "toothsome" meant a general sense of attractiveness, going all the way back to Chaucer's time. But if we're talking about teeth, eating comes into play, and it makes sense that the usage of the adjective evolved to cover tasty treats.

Yeh I also prefer colder weather

I'm glad that it's finally getting cooler out.

Fact of the Day - CUMULUS CLOUD Did you know.... When people draw clouds, the results are usually big, fluffy, white creations, known scientifically as cumulus clouds. Although there are dozens of different cloud types, this is the one we most often associate with the word “cloud.” Though they may not be as mesmerizing as lenticular clouds hovering over volcanoes or as puzzling as arcus clouds stretching for miles, there still are some facets of them that truly boggle the mind. Take, for instance, the weight of an average cumulus cloud. Although these collections of water vapor seem to float effortlessly, clouds are extremely heavy. In fact, according to the United States Geological Survey, the average cumulus cloud weighs 1.1 million pounds. If a cloud floats, how do you weigh it? Well, the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research estimates that the average cumulus cloud is about 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) long and 1 kilometer tall, or a billion cubic meters in volume. Meanwhile, the water density of a typical cumulus cloud is 0.5 grams (about a marble’s worth) per cubic meter. That means the average cumulus cloud holds 500,000,000 grams of water — or 1.1 million pounds. But while we have the equivalent of 100 elephants floating above our heads, the dryer, denser air beneath the cloud is even heavier, which is why those clouds can harmlessly float on by. Three of the world’s 10 sunniest cities are in Arizona. The sunniest place in the world is Yuma, in the southwest corner of the extremely arid state of Arizona; the city receives 4,000 hours of sunlight every year. However, Yuma isn’t alone — nearby Tucson and the state’s capital, Phoenix, are also in the world’s top 10 sunniest places. Nearly the entire state exists in a rain shadow caused by mountains in nearby California. This means little moisture, which in turn means little cloud cover. All in all, it’s a pretty poor place to go cloud gazing. Source: The average cumulus cloud weighs 1.1 million pounds.

What's the Word: BÉCHAMEL pronunciation: [bey-shə-MEL] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, late 17th century Meaning: 1. A rich white sauce made with milk infused with herbs and other flavorings. Examples: "The secret to homemade mac and cheese is a good béchamel." "To pass the French sauces class, each student had to make a perfect béchamel." About Béchamel Béchamel is a standard white sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk. As basic as the ingredients are, it can add a lot of depth to your cooking. It's usually spelled with an accent mark over the first "e," thanks to its French roots. The inventor of the sauce was the Marquis Louis de Béchamel, the steward to King Louis XIV of France. Did you Know? You might whip up a mean pancake breakfast, sear a perfect steak, or have a secret recipe for your chocolate chip cookies, but what about sauces? Professional chefs swear by the five French "mother sauces" — béchamel, velouté, espagnole, hollandaise, and tomato. Master these, and you'll have the basic building blocks for all other sauces.

Fact of the Day - FINGERPRINTS Did you know... Fingerprints are one of the few parts of the human body that generally never change — in some cases, even after thousands of years. Scientists who study ancient civilizations by way of mummified remains can attest: Mummies have fingerprints. But how? Mummification works by drying out soft tissue such as skin, halting decomposition and preserving the body, fingerprints included. Recovering the fingertip impressions isn’t easy, but it is possible; the job requires soaking or injecting mummified hands with hydrating solutions that plump the tips. From there, the fingertips are inked and copied in a fashion similar to how modern fingerprints are recorded. Historians don’t just recover fingerprints from mummies — some can be found on objects, too. In fact, one set has been discovered on a 3,000-year-old coffin. Researchers at the Cambridge Fitzwilliam Museum in England discovered the prints on the internal lid of a coffin for Nespawershefyt, an Egyptian priest, in 2005; they were likely left by a craftsman who touched the lid before its varnish was fully dry. While it’s impossible to ever know the person behind the prints, historians say just seeing them helps modern people connect with people of the past. Some mummies have tattoos. Humans today are far more like ancient Egyptians than we may realize. Everyday people thousands of years ago went to work and school, baked bread, shared meals… and even got tattoos. While it’s unclear how widespread permanent body art was throughout ancient Egypt, researchers have found tattoos on mummified remains dating back 3,000 years. Seven female mummies unearthed from the archaeological site of Deir el-Medina in Egypt are adorned with symbols such as baboons, lotus blossoms, and human eyes (used as a symbol of protection). While it’s likely the women worked as artisans or crafts workers who helped decorate nearby elaborate tombs for royalty, another theory suggests their tattoos may have been related to work as healers or religious figures. Mummification generally preserves skin, but the oils and materials used in the initial process can hide evidence of tattoos, which is why researchers are now turning to infrared imaging to catch a better glimpse of potential body art — a tool that has also revealed tattoos on two 5,000-year-old male mummies. Source: Mummies can still have fingerprints.

What's the Word: PHILOMATH pronunciation: [soo-SUR-əs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Ancient Greek, early 17th century Meaning: 1. A lover of learning; a student or scholar. 2. An astrologer or predictor. Examples: "If I've earned a reputation for anything, I hope it's for being a lifelong philomath." "Go back in the family tree, and you'll find a few wise women and even a philomath." About Philomath If you've ever described yourself as an audiophile (a lover of high-quality music and audio equipment) or a bibliophile (a lover of books), you already understand half of this word. A philomath is a lover of learning — particularly mathematics, philosophy, and other humanities. Did you Know? The close cousin of a philomath is a polymath. The philomath truly loves learning in specific categories, but the polymath has a broad swath of knowledge. They may not have a deep well of knowledge in one subject, as a philomath might, but they are learned in many (poly) areas.

Pretty far into CS4 now. Gotta make or find a thread for that to record some progress/thoughts. The ending of CS3 was decent. My critiques from the last post still stand. Falcom needs to start closing loose story threads and start letting characters die. This series has a larger character roster than any other and yet they're terrified of having any stakes. I know, I know, there is the odd character death. My counter to those is that they tend to be single-use bad guys. Sure, there's Weissman, but even his comrades hand-wave his death. Loewe is the only hard-hitting permanent death during the contemporary events of the game I can think of. Even then, I have my suspicions that they'll revive his ass too. Having only completed CS3, I'm not sure what the deal is with

@Dave55811 & @Starwind55 watched The Fog (1980) with me. I also caught the beginning and ending of No Holds Barred in honor of the Hulkster. HH, brother!

Fact of the Day - FAKE SPIDER WEBS Did you know.... Along with jack o’ lanterns, skeletons, and ghosts, spider webs are a classic part of creepy Halloween décor. But the spooky faux webs can be more dangerous than they appear. Now that the warm, sunny days of summer have wound down and been replaced by cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes, many will get the urge to bust out their Halloween decorations and string those creepy-looking artificial spider webs around their yards. And though fall is certainly the time for spooky décor, those fake spider webs can turn into a truly scary situation for birds, bees, and other wildlife. The Hazards of Fake Spider Webs as Halloween Décor Artificial spider webs are made out of dense cotton, PVC, or other artificial fibers. The stretchy structures don’t break readily and can be difficult for animals to see at night or in low light conditions; this makes it easy for small creatures to fly or walk into them and become stuck. There have been many reports of birds trapped in their fibers, leading to broken limbs and even death. Some birds have even been spotted using the artificial material to make their nests—and though a nest decked out in Halloween décor sounds cute, it can potentially trap or harm their chicks. Bees, chipmunks, and other small animals can also become stuck and injured in the webbing. If the risk to animals isn’t enough of a reason to not use artificial webbing, the fake spider webs are also highly flammable. There’s always an uptick in fires around Halloween, often due candles and overheating lights (plus, in certain places, some good old fashioned arson). If the artificial webs catch fire, the blaze could ignite and spread quickly throughout your yard and home. Alternatives to Artificial Spider Webs If you want to ditch the dangerous material but don’t want to say goodbye to an arachnid-themed display, there are some safer, eco-friendly solutions to choose from when adding fake spider webs to your Halloween décor. You can simply display the fake webs inside your home (making sure you don’t hang them too close to any candles or hot light bulbs, of course). Just drape the webs in window frames, on mirrors, and across doorways. Alternatively, you could make fake spider webs of all sizes out of rope and knots; these won’t present a danger to the non-human creatures in your neighborhood. Another safe-for-wildlife web decoration option is to make them out of paper. For a really eye-catching fake web, try making your own dramatic DIY light-up web using some simple supplies and string lights, or simply purchase a pre-made one. Source: Why You Shouldn’t Put Out Fake Spider Webs This Halloween

What's the Word: SUSURRUS pronunciation: [soo-SUR-əs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. Whispering, or rustling. Examples: "The quiet susurrus of the wind is a soothing backdrop for reading." "You could hear the susurrus of the audience before the curtain went up." About Susurrus It's not technically an onomatopoeia (a word that resembles a sound, such as "plop" or "meow"), but it's pretty close. "Susurrus" means "a soft whisper or murmuring sound." It's what you hear when the wind blows through fall leaves or waves are crashing on the shore. Did you Know? In Latin, "susurrus" is a noun for a whisper, and "susurrare" is the verb for "to murmur or hum." In English, we've maintained "susurrus" as a noun for a whispering noise, but you might also see it as "susurration." We prefer to stick to the more poetic and original Latin spelling.

Fact of the Day - WHY? WHY? WHY? Did you know... Answering the same question over and over and over again can get grating. But there are important developmental reasons behind why young children are so into asking “why.” If you’ve ever spent time with a preschooler, you’ve probably been hit with the famous barrage: “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do dogs bark?” “Why can’t I eat cookies for breakfast?” Before you can finish one answer, they’re on to the next. It’s adorable … until you’ve fielded your 107th question of the hour (and that’s no exaggeration—one study found that kids between 14 months and 5 years old ask an average of 107 questions per hour). So what’s behind kids’ obsession with asking “why?” We explain below. New Connections in the Making Around age 2 or 3, kids’ brains start making new connections at lightning speed. They’re piecing together how the world works—and once they learn that adults can give them the information they want on demand, they lean into it. Asking “why” helps them link cause and effect—something they start learning at a very young age. It’s their way of saying, “Wait, so if this happens, does that mean that will too?” Every answer you give builds another block in their mental Lego tower. Why Asking “Why” Is So Important Parents sometimes assume kids fire off “why” questions just to stay in the spotlight. But psychologists say it’s more than that. Kids are genuinely trying to understand the world, and your explanations give them comfort. Think about it: for most people, when they know what’s coming next, they’ll often feel less anxious. The same goes for kids. By asking “why,” they’re learning how to predict what happens in their ever-expanding little universe; this helps them feel safer and more confident. Sometimes, “why” isn’t really about the answer at all. It’s about sharing excitement. If your child spots a butterfly and asks, “Why is it orange?”, they might already have a theory. But really, they’re saying, “Hey, I noticed this cool thing, will you notice it with me?” How to Respond When Your Kid Won’t Stop Asking “Why” The constant questioning can be exhausting. But it’s also a sign of a healthy, curious, imaginative mind at work. That shared back-and-forth builds self-esteem. Rather than shutting down the endless barrage of questions, try prompting them to figure out the answer. A simple “you tell me” or “why do you think?” can help a child come up with an explanation on their own. Be mindful of your tone and body language—as frustrating as answering the same question over and over again can be, you don’t want to discourage your kid from being curious. And, if you really need a break, you can always tell your kid you’ll answer their question at a later time. If your kid does happen to ask a question that leaves you truly stumped, you can use it as an opportunity to learn something new together. Source: Why Do Little Kids Love to Ask “Why”?

What's the Word: NONPAREIL pronunciation: [nahn-pə-REL] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, early 16th century Meaning: 1. An unrivaled or matchless person or thing. 2. A flat round candy made of chocolate covered with white sugar sprinkles. Examples: "In my opinion, the 1961 version is the nonpareil of 'The Parent Trap' movies." "I always indulge in a box of nonpareils when I go to the movies." About Nonpareil The Latin breakdown of this word is pretty simple. "Non" means "not," and "pareil" is "equal." The description means that the nonpareil is leaps and bounds better; it's so good that there can be no equal. Did you Know? We agree that nonpareils are quite unparalleled when it comes to chocolate treats, and you might love them even more when you find out how easy they are to make. Melt some bittersweet chocolate and mix it with a dab of vegetable shortening. Then spoon coin-sized circles of chocolate onto a baking sheet. Top with sprinkles, then cool until hard. Now you have your very own stash of nonpareils.

Fact of the Day - SCORPION VENOM Did you know... Most rational people are inclined to leave scorpions well enough alone, given those stinger-tipped tails that administer venom capable of paralyzing their prey (and worse). Yet there are certain intrepid souls willing to brave the dangers and coax these arachnids into unleashing their toxins, for the simple reason that scorpion venom can sell for as much as $39 million per gallon. Who actually dishes out the dough for this potent liquid? The medical industry, as venom from scorpions, spiders, vipers, and an array of other creatures has been found to provide compounds with surprising health benefits for humans. The venom of the deathstalker scorpion, for example, contains a peptide called chlorotoxin, which can pinpoint the location of aggressive brain tumors. Another species, the Diplocentrus melici, produces venom with 1,4-benzoquinone compounds that kill highly infectious bacteria, including the strains that cause tuberculosis. Unsurprisingly, the monster dollar signs linked to this particular field have inspired a sub-industry of scorpion farmers and breeders, some of which are endangering scorpion populations. Insiders caution against getting involved for the money, though: For one thing, the venom has to be “milked” in absolutely sterile conditions; it’s a laborious process to do so, and the minute amounts that change hands between buyers and sellers aren’t going to pay off anyone’s mortgage. Additionally, many labs have turned to synthesized versions of the isolated compounds needed for their research. Antimatter is the most expensive substance on Earth. If you think scorpion venom costs a pretty penny, then imagine the payment plan you’d need to meet the $2.7 quadrillion price tag for one gram of antimatter. As you may recall from high school physics, antimatter is a substance that has the opposite electric charge of the ordinary matter that fills up most of our universe; because naturally occurring antimatter detonates upon contact with regular matter, the only way to obtain it for a significant length of time is by way of high-speed collisions generated by immensely powerful and expensive particle accelerators (currently only available at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research). So what purpose does this elusive material serve? The observation of antimatter production has been used for medical radio imaging, and it’s been speculated that the energy created by matter-antimatter collisions could be harnessed for space travel. Otherwise, the practical applications are pretty minimal, as fascinating as it is for scientists to study. Source: Scorpion venom is among the most expensive liquids on the market.

What's the Word: CHIFFONADE pronunciation: [shif-ə-NAHD] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, late 19th century Meaning: 1. A preparation of shredded or finely cut leaf vegetables, used as a garnish for soup. Examples: "Sprinkle the soup with a chiffonade of basil before you serve it." "The chef assigned the assistant to cut the chiffonade needed for the day." About Chiffonade A chiffonade is a quick way to add a splash of color and flavor to your food. Stolen from the French verb "chiffonner," meaning "to crumble," "chiffonade" is a noun for delicate strips of herbs. It can also be used as a verb to describe the process of slicing the greens. Did you Know? Even if you haven't heard the word, you'll likely recognize a chiffonade — it's the finely chopped preparation of herbs or greens sprinkled on top of your food. It looks fancy, but it's quite easy to do. Stack the leaves, roll them into a thin cigar shape, and then slice across the roll to form thin ribbons. Now you have a chiffonade of herbs to decorate and flavor your dish.

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Fact of the Day - 1 MILLION INHABITANTS Did you know.... Today, Tokyo is the world’s largest city by population, with more than 37 million residents, but long before the Japanese metropolis took that honor, there was another record-holder: Rome. The ancient city was the world’s largest back in 133 BCE, when it became the first city to reach 1 million inhabitants. Everyday life in ancient Rome was largely dictated by wealth: Affluent residents lived in finely decorated townhouses (and often had countryside estates for trips out of the city), while lower-income citizens resided in apartment-like buildings called insulae. But all social classes enjoyed the perks of living in a major city, including fresh water piped in from aqueducts, and the availability of markets, entertainment, and even food stalls that served quick meals. Rome’s population eventually declined as the Roman Empire fell, yet no city surpassed its record population for millennia — that is, until London became the world’s largest city, with 1 million people in 1800 and more than 6 million people by 1810. Two-thirds of the world’s population will likely live in a city by 2050. Modern human societies haven’t always gravitated toward city life — in the 1800s, only 3% of the world’s population lived in a metropolis. That changed with the Industrial Revolution, which drew large numbers of workers to cities, and today, 80% of Americans live in an urban environment, a trend that’s echoed around the globe and not expected to decrease. In fact, a United Nations report from 2018 predicts that two out of every three people will live in a city by 2050. Many of the globe’s busiest cities will continue to grow, and some will become megacities — areas with more than 10 million people — creating the potential for some cities to become more important than countries, changing maps and impacting economies. Source: Rome was the first city to reach 1 million inhabitants.

What's the Word: DIVARICATE pronunciation: [di-VAR-ə-kayt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, early 17th century Meaning: 1. Stretch or spread apart. 2. Diverge widely. Examples: "You'll want to divaricate the new plantings in the garden to allow the roots to grow." "We divaricate on certain issues, but we agreed to put our differences aside for family dinner." About Divaricate Divaricate, meaning "stretching or spreading apart," traces back to Latin. "Varicare" means "to stretch the legs apart," and the prefix "di-" means "expressing intensive force." Did you Know? As a verb, "divaricate" means "to separate or diverge." It's also used in botany as a noun for a branching pattern of leaves. In that sense, it can be an adjective as well. Shrubs often have divaricating leaves.

Fact of the Day - WORKER ANTS Did you know... While ants can be annoying (see: showing up at your picnic table), humans generally regard them as good workers, which is how they’ve often been portrayed in folklore and fables such as Aesop’s “The Ants & the Grasshopper.” So it may come as a surprise that not all worker ants are performing at peak productivity; in fact, some research shows that up to 40% of worker ants in a colony may remain idle while other ants trudge on with their duties. Biologists with the University of Arizona observing ant colonies in 2015 found that many of the ants seemed to slack while other ants performed chores. And in research published two years later by some of the same scientists, the team examined 20 ant colonies, marking some of the creatures with tiny paint drops and observing their movements. When the “lazy” ants were removed from their nest, life and work continued on more or less as before. But scientists discovered a major shift when actively working ants were whisked away; the once-idle ants stepped into their missing counterparts’ roles, assuming tasks that were going uncompleted. That encouraged scientists to view them not as lazy, but as part of a reserve force. One theory for the behavior change is that keeping a team of workers on standby allows ant colonies to remain productive. A similar study in 2018 found that only 30% of workers in fire ant colonies dug tunnels, while other members of the nest waited nearby in a move that actually sped up work by preventing traffic jams in the narrow spaces. And some scientists believe that it’s possible certain ants are hard at work at nonvisible jobs that we humans just haven’t figured out how to recognize yet. Despite ants outnumbering humans 2.5 million to one, there’s much we don’t know about how they work together for their tiny, greater good. Some ants can explode. Most ants have a defense mechanism of one kind or another. Some sting, like fire ants, while Formica archboldi ants spray acid onto potential predators. Few, however, can do what “yellow goo” ants can: explode. Found in Southeast Asia, Colobopsis explodens are tree-dwelling ants that build their nests high up in the canopies. As a last-ditch effort to protect their homes from invaders, Colobopsis ants apply pressure to their abdomen, bursting their bodies in a self-sacrifice that releases a sticky, odorous, and toxic substance. Researchers have known about exploding ants for at least 200 years, though the first documented research on their unique ability appeared around 1916. However, little is known about “yellow goo” ants, who spend their days foraging for food as one of 15 known species of exploding ants in South Asia. Source: Some worker ants don’t work.